While there are many reasons why Brays Island Plantation, in Sheldon, South Carolina, might be America’s most popular sporting community, perhaps the biggest is the astounding array of activities that property owners and their guests enjoy. And for all the variety, two things run constant throughout the options: First, they are of world-class quality, and second, they are extremely convenient, with almost everything being within a couple of minutes of the residences.
Tim Maier has been a Brays resident for 11 years, and he greatly appreciates how the activities offered add to his sporting lifestyle. Following is a rundown of Brays pastimes and amenities that Maier considers his favorites.
Clay Target Shooting
“Brays has an incredible clay shooting facility called the Gun Club that includes trap, skeet, sporting clays and other disciplines,” Maier said. “I often shoot there multiple times each week. Our 15-station sporting course, which was designed by Holland & Holland, throws great targets, and the 5 Stand is great for quick sessions. What I enjoy as much as anything, however, is our Shoot n Grill events, which take place once or twice a month. They feature special target presentations, like flurries, and when the shooting concludes, the shooters hang around for cocktails and dinner.”
Fishing
Brays is located on the South Carolina coast, widely recognized as a premier fishing destination for many saltwater species. While Maier occasionally joins friends on big-game hunting trips, inshore fishing for redfish, sea trout and drum is his go-to. “What makes the inshore outings really special is that my wife loves to go,” Maier said. “The guide is absolutely wonderful with her, and not only does he put us on fish, but he also cleans and packages them for us to take home! What’s more is that we shove off from the Brays dock, which is only a few minutes from our house.”
Bird Hunting
Of all the perks available to Brays owners, having an on-site private bird hunting venue that spans hundreds of acres might be the best. “I partake in the excellent deer and turkey hunting that is also available to me,” Maier said, “but during hunting season I focus mostly on wingshooting. In the blink of an eye, I can grab my dog and be in the field chasing quail, pheasants, chukars and partridge. And if an owner doesn’t have a dog, the plantation can furnish guides and dogs for them, which makes it so that everyone has a chance to go. I like signing up for the Covey Hunts that the hunting staff periodically organizes. These quail hunts are conducted over the plantation’s world-class pointers and cockers from quail rigs [parties of four] on special quail courses that are reserved exclusively for Covey Hunts. It’s a great way to mix things up and also enjoy the company of your shooting buddies.”
On-Site Dining
One of the really nice aspects of living at Brays is that one never has to leave the property to go out to eat. A staple for most guests is The Plantation Grill, which has a diverse menu and overlooks the golf course. But Maier most looks forward to meals and events at The Inn. "There are formal dinners on Sundays, which are popular," Maier said, “but for me, the Chef’s Demo Dinners are the most fun. They take place about once a month and can accommodate up to 20 people; and the way the chef explains the meal to the guests and sends them home with the recipes makes it feel like a special event. I also like to take visitors to the Inn for breakfast, because it’s right on the water and has a great view.
Brays Farm
Another amenity enjoyed by Maier is Brays Farm, where expert farmers and gardeners grow produce for the owners and the chef at The Inn. “I like to swing by a couple of times each week to pick up fresh vegetables and herbs for the meals I cook at home,” Maier says. “My wife and I especially like the spinach, sweet corn, broccoli, tomatoes and Brussels sprouts grown there, and when I have time, I like to chat with the farmers, who always seem to have something interesting to tell me about the operation.”
Gym Workout
“I am very conscious of the fact that being in good physical health is the key to being able to enjoy the sporting life to the fullest,” Maier said. “So I am very thankful for the plantation’s state-of-the-art fitness room. It is conveniently located on the property, and in addition to having cardio and strength machines, it serves as a venue for yoga, Pilates and stretch classes. I meet a personal trainer there once a week and also work out on my own. I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon, and the fitness room keeps me in shape to continue enjoying the things I love to do!”
Maier concluded by pointing out that he is partial to field sports but that if he had more time, he might have a go at some of the other activities available at Brays, such as golf, kayaking, tennis, pickleball and equestrian activities. “It’s just that whether I’m doing them by myself or with like-minded neighbors,” he said, “I’m having too much fun to tear myself away from the things I like most.”
To learn more about Brays Island Plantation, call 843-846-3170 or click here to schedule an in-person visit.
Photographs courtesy of Brays Island Plantation.
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